The apology drew immediate praise Monday from New Ways Ministry as a “historic” move to repair the painful rift between the Catholic hierarchy and the gay community.

It was Pope Francis who suggested that this was the moment for the continent to revive the vision of Aparecida—only this time in a synodal way, with the people of God as the protagonist.

“It seemed to me, right from the beginning, that Francis’ style of pontificate was like a punch in the stomach from the Holy Spirit to wake us up,” Cardinal Angelo Scola says in this exclusive interview.

Archbishop Christophe Pierre spoke to the U.S. bishops Nov. 16 about the importance of listening to people in the church and being open to the work of the Holy Spirit.

“This could have a profound change in the life of the church.”

The synod office extended the timeline at the request of dioceses who asked for more time to hear the thoughts of Catholics.